Meryl Streep’s reported “death threat” was an exaggerated expression of frustration after she lost the lead role in the 1996 musical film Evita to Madonna. Streep had spent about a year preparing to play Eva Perón when the project stalled and changed direction, making the eventual casting a bitter disappointment for her.

The film had endured years of difficult development, with several directors and performers considered before Madonna secured the part. Streep later said she could “rip her throat out” and claimed she could sing better, reflecting her anger at losing a role she had invested heavily in rather than a literal threat.